Financial Blog

Long shopping lines, the smell of pines, and the taste of sweet ham–Christmas season is finally here again. You must be pumped to get some much-needed rest and quality family time. Oh, and don’t forget, gifts!

Read more: A Crammer’s Guide to Last-Minute Holiday Shopping

But amid the yuletide cheer is a kind anarchy so great that it threatens to ruin the fun of the season. Yes, I’m talking about the fact that lines at banks, shopping malls and grocery stores are longer than ever.

This is where shopping online and using credit cards come in handy. “Then it’s easy!” you might say. Well, we’re here to make sure that you don’t screw it up. Here are some tips on avoiding the landslide of credit card bills.

December is a time for shopping, everyone knows that, including those shrewd store owners at the mall. They will try to seduce you with sales, bundles and even special Christmas items.

This trap is the first obstacle. To avoid it, set a budget, make a shopping list and–most importantly–be faithful to them.

Write down names of your giftees and then set a hard limit for each. This will help you say no to that juicy 50% off!

Get your major expenses out of the way first. These could be gifts for your special someone or party essentials for Noche Buena. Of course, use the budget and shopping list you made as a guide during this step.

Don’t let your splurging impulses cloud your judgement; it is, actually, a good idea to bring your credit card when buying expensive stuff so you won’t have to carry as much cash. Once you’re done with major purchases, you can now check how much you have left for less important ones.

This strategy gives you the flexibility of being cheap on items at the bottom of your priority list and having the umpf for those that really matter. That’s right, what I’m telling you is basically this time-tested adage: Don’t try to please everyone.

Take time to read your credit card’s terms and conditions. Before you roll your eyes, consider this: Do you even know your credit card’s late payment fee? How about interest charges?

Actually reading about your payment option makes you an informed and responsible customer. And hey, you might be missing out on sweet deals such as light installment plan offers and rewards.

What’s that old TV trope: “Don’t bring a knife to a gunfight.”

There are credit cards that are best for travelling and there are those meant to be used for shopping. It’s no rocket science, don’t worry. Your credit card company has probably outlined each of their credit card’s best use on their website already.

As a quick example, if you’re travelling abroad, then you might want to take a World or Platinum credit card with you. These will get you free travel insurance and exclusive access to airport lounges, which would otherwise cost you a lot.

Meanwhile, if you’re shopping for gifts and party supplies, then a Cashback credit card can get you as much as 5% rebate. Oh, and if you’re like me and has borderline addiction to online shopping, then a Click card may be your cup of tea.

I keep on saying this throughout or credit card guides and I hate to sound like a broken record but alas, here it is again: Your credit card’s promo page is a treasure trove. Believe me, it actually is.

Buy 1 take 1 deals, big slashes on items, even bigger online sales, discounts on restaurants–you name it. Do yourself a favor and browse through it before plunging into your spend.